FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 2, 2019)
Media Contact:
Regina Martel, Brighton Economic Development Corporation
303-655-2020, rmartel@brightonedc.org Brighton, CO– The Brighton Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) in partnership with the Brighton Urban Renewable Authority (BURA) and the City of Brighton is pleased to launch the Brighton Investment Program (BIP) for the second year. This program is designed to help Brighton companies improve and enhance the work they do and the space they do it in. Applications are now available to Brighton businesses. Last year, the program provided funding to various Brighton businesses with the goal of increasing sales, property values, and enhancing workforce development opportunities. Examples of successful grant awards in 2018 included: expansion of a kitchen to increase revenue and introduce a new line of business; purchasing additional brewing equipment for a local brewery to increase sales volume; resurfacing a badly deteriorated parking lot and assisting with training costs for a local employee to gain new credentials which resulted in a wage increase for the employee and additional sales opportunities for the business. Brighton businesses can apply for interior or exterior capital improvements or workforce training dollars through applications that can be found on our website. Grants awarded to qualified businesses are a dollar-for-dollar match with $10,000 being the maximum amount awarded and will be administered by EDC and BURA staff. The money will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis, is available to all businesses with a valid business license and is limited to one per business per calendar year. Additional requirements include being in business for two years, employing 50 or fewer people, and other requirements that can be found here. Businesses can also apply for grant funding for industry-specific training for current, full-time employees of an organization who need to increase skills in order to advance their career. After successful completion of training, the Brighton EDC will reimburse employers 50% of training costs. “The first year of the Brighton Business Investment Program was a success and I am extremely pleased that we will be able to offer such a great program again in 2019” said Michael Martinez, Director of the Brighton EDC. "It is no secret that access to much-needed capital can take a business to the next level of achieving their goals and beyond and through programs like this, we are able to give back to the business community in Brighton. It is our mission to assist with providing resources to businesses to grow and thrive and with through the continued collaboration with the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority and the City of Brighton, we continue to show that Brighton cares about the success of small businesses in our community." Businesses interested in applying for the funds from the Brighton Investment Program can call the Brighton EDC (303) 655-2020 or come into the office at Historic City Hall (22 S. 4th Ave. Brighton, Colorado 80601) or check out information at our website. About the Brighton Lodging Tax Grant Program The Brighton Investment Program is made possible by a grant offered by the City of Brighton's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. In 2011 the electors at general election approved the lodging tax proposal submitted to them by City Council and adopted Ordinance No. 2121 in response to the action. Ordinance No. 2121 allows the City of Brighton to impose a 3% Lodging Tax on short-term lodging of less than thirty days to provide revenue to be allocated by the City Council for Economic Development, Special Events, Cultural Arts Facilities, Advertising and Marketing, and Promoting Tourism and other activities which utilize public accommodations. About Brighton, Colorado Founded in 1887, Brighton, Colorado is located 20 miles northeast of downtown Denver and is home to a diverse population of approximately 39,000 residents. To learn more about Brighton, visit www.brightonco.gov. About the Brighton EDC Brighton Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is a 501c (6) Colorado non-profit organization serving the Greater Brighton Area. BEDC is the primary agent for economic development services. BEDC offers relocation, retention and expansion assistance and support to businesses. BEDC works to expand and diversify the local tax base by facilitating the creation of quality jobs and the attraction of retail development. BEDC encourages responsible, diverse growth and development that enhances Brighton’s quality of life as a desirable place to live, work, learn and play. To learn more about Brighton Economic Development Corporation, visit www.brightonedc.org or call 303.655.2155. # # #
